Blackfriars Circus, Blackfriars

Maccreanor Lavington for Barratt London
Contract value: £105m
GIA: 39,467m² 
Cost per m²: £2,500

This semi-derelict brownfield site has become a high-density and sustainable city centre neighbourhood fronting St George’s Circus, a hub connecting to river crossings at Lambeth, Westminster, Waterloo, Blackfriars and Southwark.  St George’s conservation area adjoins the site. Taller buildings allow a high quality public realm, while the new buildings read together as a block that repairs the street frontage and historic form of the Circus. A landmark 28-storey masonry tower emerges from the block and presents a slender facade to the focal point of the Circus.  Two new public spaces are set within the block;  it houses 22 new businesses and 336 new homes of different tenures, which include 56 social rent homes for Southwark.

See the rest of the South London shortlist here. And all the RIBA Regional Awards shortlists here.